There’s something about a stove top chicken casserole that feels like a quiet comfort after a busy day. I remember one evening when I barely had time to think, let alone cook. The chicken sizzled in the pan while the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen, pulling me back from a distracted scrolling through my phone. The vegetables softened just enough, and the creamy sauce thickened right before my eyes. It wasn’t perfect— I think I accidentally grabbed a bit too much flour that time, so the sauce was a little thicker than usual—but that’s part of the charm. Sitting down with a warm bowl, the melted cheddar on top still gooey, made the little chaos fade away. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug, even on a rushed weeknight.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s a one-pan wonder that keeps cleanup minimal — and that’s kind of the point.
- The creamy sauce balances tender chicken and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying bite every time.
- Ready in about 45 minutes, it fits nicely into a busy week’s dinner plans.
- It’s flexible enough to work with whatever veggies you have around, although mushrooms and peas bring a special touch.
- While it’s rich and comforting, it’s not overly complicated, perfect if you’re not in the mood for fuss.
If you’re worried about the sauce sticking or burning, just keep the heat moderate and stir gently but often. This casserole is forgiving; it’s all about cozy textures and familiar flavors coming together.
PrintStove Top Chicken Casserole
A comforting and easy-to-make stove top chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked white rice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the frozen peas. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Add the cooked white rice and mix well to evenly distribute the sauce and ingredients.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Notes: I usually make this using a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid—it’s handy for keeping the cheese melty and everything warm. If you want to switch things up, swapping out the rice for quinoa or even small pasta shapes could work, though I haven’t tested those variations thoroughly. Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika for a little extra warmth, or swap thyme for rosemary if that’s what’s in the spice rack. Pairing this casserole with a simple green salad or some crusty bread makes the meal feel complete without too much extra effort.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen chicken? Fresh chicken is best for texture, but if frozen, thaw thoroughly before cooking.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Whole milk works fine—it might just be a touch less rich.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients, but I recommend cooking it fresh to keep the sauce creamy and the cheese melty.
When the evening winds down and you want something that feels like home without the fuss, this stove top chicken casserole is waiting. It’s easy, comforting, and just the right kind of cozy to bring everyone back to the table.